. >> the president said the economy is poised to expand this year after 2.2 million jobs were created last year. republicans say this is the chance for congress to begin balancing our nation's checkbook. jump starting the economy and restoring faith in our government. >>> energy secretary steven chu is stepping down. the former head of the lawrence berkeley national lab drew a lot of political fire during his tenure on the president's cab net. but as abc7 news political reporter mark matthew notes, khu also drew a lot of talent to the department as he worked to reshape its mission. >> at the white house, president obama publicly thank the steven chu for his service. steven has a great friend, a tremendous colleague working on a whole range of energy issues, but also designing a cap to plug the hole in the middle of the gulf of mexico when anyone else could figure it out. that's typical of the incredible contributionings he's made to this country. >> when he came here he had a nobel prize in physics but knee real experience in politics. >> he said honest things about climate change and